General manager Bill Torrey’s March 10, 1980, trade for Butch Goring provided the missing piece for the New York Islanders’ four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980-83.
The trades for defensemen Larry Murphy (1997) and Jamie Macoun (1998) played important roles in the Detroit Red Wings’ ability to win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
The NHL trade deadline long has been an important contributor to what happens in April, May and June. Two seasons ago, the Los Angeles Kings added Marian Gaborik and he led the team in goals during their Stanley Cup run. Last season, Antoine Vermette started slowly after his arrival, but he did help the Chicago Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup in six seasons.
This season’s trade market has a collection of players who would be good fits for contenders. Here are some potential marriages before Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline:
Left wing Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg Jets
Best fit: Blackhawks
Why it would work: He could be a quality fit on the top…